Eurogamer.net has details from a now-removed blog post (still cached) written by Zero Dean, apparently a former Rockstar employee who allegedly served as Senior Environment Artist on Red Dead Redemption. The blog described how pressure on the developers from management amplified as the project progressed, with unpaid overtime steadily increasing, leading to him catching flack from above after commenting on the situation in email that turned out to have been monitored. He says he eventually left when a boss took credit for some of his work. "And thank you Rockstar," he wrote. "You taught me exactly how I don't want to run a business or treat employees (or human beings) ever." Thanks Joao.

However I do remember from the mid-80s up to the late 90s the gaming industry was a very friendly place to work in. Now... only those who REALLY love the industry, be that love misguided or not, can handle the pressure.

It still is for most people. Most of these guys could go out and get corporate coding positions for more money.

Most people I know in gaming have a blast. It's hard work, but they love it. They thrive on it. Yeah, they crunch for six months before release to make sure the proper polish is there, but they love every minute of it and get a huge high from people really loving their product.

The people being abused are the ones "paying their dues" so to speak, at companies that are very cash-strapped.Again, it's common.